We have developed an interface to the Velbus http://www.velbus.eu/ with a range of modules for switching, dimming, curtain control, temperature sensing from the Belgium manufacturer Velleman.

Velbus is an extremely reliable modular automation system. All modules are interconnected by means of a 4-wire bus. There is no master controller. A typical system consists of two basic types of modules: input and output modules. Input modules translate information from the outside world (e.g. pushbuttons, switches, sensors, etc) to bus commands. Output modules interpret these bus commands and in turn control lighting, heating, ventilation, outlets, shutters etc... Feedback-LEDs on the input modules show the status of the output modules. A basic Velbus application requires one input and one output module. Applications: Home, office or industrial automation, process control, etc...

This is a lower cost product compared to KNX and C-Bus etc and may be a good solution in more cost sensitive projects

The Velbus interface is supported in Comfigurator 3.2.8

The Velbus Configurator is in the Modules tab. Add UCM > Velbus.
This allows Comfort to send commands to the Velbus modules and allows velbus modules to send status and commands to Comfort counters. as well as temperature information to Comfort sensor registors.

Up to 512 Velbus channels are supported
The Velbus Modules supported currently are

VMB1BL - 1 channel Blinds

VMB2BL - 2 channel Blinds

VMB1RY - 1 channel Relay

VMB4RY - 4 channel Relay

VMB1DM - 1 channel Dimmer

VMB4PD - 4 button Pushbuton Module

VMB6IN - 6 input Module

VMB8PB - 8 button Pushbutton Module

VMB1TS - Temperature sensor

VMB1TC - Temperature Controller - NEW

VMB1LED - Professional LED Dimmer Module NEW

VMB4RYLD - Programmable 4 channel Voltage Out Relay Module NEW

VMBRYNO - Programmable 4 channel Relay Module NEW

VMB4DC - 4 channel 0 (1) to 10V Output Controller NEW

VMB4DME - Dimmer for Electronic/ Resistive Load NEW

New modules will be supported as they become available

The UCM/Velbus is has a Rs232 interface with a male connector so it can be connected directly to the VMB1RS Velbus Rs232 interface using a Male to Female RS232 cable - UPDATE: the VMB1RS Module is no longer needed! New UCM/Velbus connects directly to Velbus- see http://www.comfortforums.com/forum88/2302.html

You can go ahead to order the UCM/velbus from your usual distributor. However note that the fiirmware is not released yet, but you can easily upgrade the firmware later with a UCM. The UCM/Velbus is priced the same as a UCM/232 for now

The UCM/Velbus has a Learn button in Comfigurator.
After configuring the velbus modules using its own software, assigning the IDs and behaviour, press the Learn button to get the information of the Velbus IDs and names into the Velbus to Comfort Module.

If the UCM/velbus is not connected to velbus, ie you are offisite, then you can manually add the modules and assign the IDs but this is not recommended. Always use Learn as far as possible so that the Ids etc are correct, to avoid the posssibility of mistakes

Those who are interested in Velbus should Watch this forum. Go to Menu > My Account, and select Watched Forums. Check the Velbus forum and well as other forums you would like to Watch, then press Save.